Excellent point.Why mess with the current class 3 specification?, ( this would cause problems for people that currently ride class 3 ). Why not just make an e-moped class and leave the current classes as they are?
Excellent point.Why mess with the current class 3 specification?, ( this would cause problems for people that currently ride class 3 ). Why not just make an e-moped class and leave the current classes as they are?
You ever been to cozumel? Scooters are primarily. Mom dad kid in front mom on back holding another kid in one arm and groceries in the other. Lol its a site. Carrying a kid in the front and a kid in the rear and a kid carrier with two more kids in it.
Laws need to be simple and straightforward and they need to have the manufacturers involved to agree on a compliance standard which already seems to be the class system any changes should result from a Consortium Round Table of user groups and the manufacturers that would then lobby for bill sponsors.
eBikes that can't go at least 35 mph are dangerous as phuc for street riding. A typical 20 mph eBike is stuck riding on city trails, because on the street you're just a rolling road block. Fortunately the police in most large citys in America don't waste their time worrying about whether your eBike meets the letter of the law, and are only going to pull you over for stupid conduct. This applys to both the street, and trails. A lot of manufacturers are taking note of this reality, and building bikes now with more power, and so far it hasn't resulted in any increas in fatalities even though eBikes sales are exploding. This is similar to the findings of the Hurt Report back in the early 80s when the government wanted to ban open class motorcycles. The problem was the report findings found that it was the 600 class bikes that were over represented in fatalities, not open class.
An e-bike can go as fast as any other bike. You just have to supply the power yourself once you reach the limit of the assist.
I don’t think that the speed specification is for the operator’s safety as much as it is for the safety of other cyclists and pedestrians. If someone feels the need to ride at speeds that exceed the legal classes, they should probably ride an e-scooter, e-moped or e-motorcycle. If it’s an e-bike, it should fall within the specification that defines one.
If an “e-bike” exceeds the very specification that makes it an e-bike, then it isn’t really an e-bike. It may be an electric motorcycle, moped or motor-scooter and if it is, it should be treated as such. I feel that we are fortunate that the three classes of e-bikes are allowed to be operated for the most part as bicycles.The problem is there's no way to enforce regualtions limiting speed or power of an eBike. No matter what limit you think is permissable, I can meet that limit with the press of a button. It's impossable to limit equipment, but what can be regulated is conduct. When anyone is riding in an unsafe manner that endangers others, they should have to pay the price.
Paul there are some issues with your thoughts. Basically if this was enacted, you might as well buy a small displacement motorcycle for less than an e bike with those capabilities.Ebike class 3
Maximum speed of 35 mph
Throttle or pedal assist
No weight limit
No motor size limit
Must have two mirrors
White headlight and red tail lights
Also side marker light and red brake light
Rewire a auditable horn
Rider must wear safety yellow or safety green with reflective stripes
Require a reflective helmet and eye protection
Must have a drivers license
Must have a license plate
Must have insurance
My thinking is that most residential speed limits are 35 mph and it is more safe to stay up with traffic than be passed by it
Also thinking that ebike riders on the streets would be more inclined to follow the rules that are now in place that state they must use the same traffic laws as automobiles